Alexander Zverev opened up on his long battle against diabetes while announcing the launch of his foundation, which will support children with diabetes.
“Today, the Alexander Zverev Foundation has officially come to life, supporting children with type 1 diabetes and helping people prevent type 2 diabetes by living a healthy and active life,” Zverev wrote.
ALSO READ: Daniil Medvedev makes winning return to the tour
“Our mission is to provide insulin and life-saving medicine to children in developing countries and those in need.”
As part of his announcement, the German revealed he has battled diabetes since the age of four.
Upgrade your serve with our FREE guide
“As a type 1 diabetic myself, I want to encourage children with diabetes to never give up on their dreams no matter what others might say to you,” Zverev added.
“As a little boy I didn’t think about it much, later more and more. I want to show that you can make it far with this disease.
ALSO READ: Emma Raducanu to work with Dmitry Tursunov
“Now, many years later and also with the success behind me, I feel comfortable and confident enough to go public with this initiative.
“I want to support children who can still avoid getting diabetes with an active life and the right prevention.
“I’m in the privileged situation of leading a life that I’ve always wanted to lead.
ALSO READ: Nick Kyrgios takes a swipe at Stefanos Tsitsipas
“I always wanted to play tennis, travel to tournaments around the world and be one of the best tennis players in the world.
“I owe everything to my parents and my brother, who have always supported me unconditionally on my way there and still do today.”
ALSO READ: Matteo Berrettini apologises for racist LeBron James remark
The 25-year-old ended his post with a quote: “The only limit is the one you set yourself.”
Zverev is currently recovering from a right ankle injury he suffered during Roland Garros, for which he underwent surgery in June.